23rd Edition of India-France Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘VARUNA’ Begins.
International
The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise 'VARUNA' between the Indian Navy and the French Navy commenced on March 19, 2025, in the Arabian Sea and will conclude on March 22, 2025, featuring Harbour and Sea Phases.
- VARUNA 2025 includes maritime operations across sub-surface, surface, and air domains, enhancing interoperability, strengthening maritime security, and reinforcing stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Initiated in 1993 and formally named ‘VARUNA’ in 2001, the exercise is a key component of Indo-French maritime cooperation, held annually along Indian or French coasts and sometimes in international waters.
- The 22nd edition took place in the Mediterranean Sea from September 2-4, 2024.
Main Point :- (i) India is represented by INS Vikrant, MiG-29K fighter jets, destroyers, frigates, and a Scorpene-class submarine, while France has deployed its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, Rafale-M fighter jets, destroyers, and frigates.
(ii) The Harbour Phase (March 19-20) focuses on professional and cultural interactions, while the Sea Phase (March 21-22) involves advanced air defense drills, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, maritime patrol operations, and replenishment-at-sea exercises.
(iii) VARUNA 2025 highlights India and France’s shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure maritime environment.
About France
President : Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron
PM : François René Jean Lucien Bayrou
____________________________
